Kamuli, Uganda — First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga has dismissed online reports claiming she is seriously ill, calling them false and part of a paid misinformation campaign.
Kadaga, who is also the Woman Member of Parliament for Kamuli District, spoke to journalists at her home in Mbulamuti shortly after attending Christmas church services.
“I am well and very much alive,” Kadaga said. “I have just returned from church.”
The rumors claimed that Kadaga had been rushed to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi in critical condition after collapsing from exhaustion. The reports circulated widely on social media over the Christmas period.
Her campaign team had earlier said Kadaga was taking a short health break after months of intense political mobilization for President Yoweri Museveni, particularly in the Busoga sub-region.
Claims of Sponsored Misinformation
Kadaga blamed the reports on what she described as organized online attacks.
“There are people who are paid to spread lies on social media,” she said. “If they do not post such content, they are not paid. It has become an industry.”
She did not name those she believes are behind the claims.
Political Activity Continues
Despite the brief break, Kadaga said she remains active in both government duties and political engagement. She has represented Kamuli District in Parliament continuously since 1989.
Addressing her bid for re-election as Kamuli Woman MP, Kadaga said she is confident of victory. The upcoming vote will be conducted by universal suffrage, replacing the delegate-based system used in previous party primaries.
“With everyone voting directly, I expect even stronger support,” she said.
Call for Fair Competition
Kadaga also called for fair political competition, saying voters should be allowed to choose freely.
“You cannot claim to support democracy while blocking others from competing,” she said.
Kadaga remains one of Uganda’s most senior and influential politicians, with more than three decades in public service.
